Magnetic vascular access graft

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to generally to a vascular access graft that includes a magnetic element disposed about a flow tube for guiding a blood flow between an arterial end adapted for arterial anastomosis to a portion of an artery, and a venous end adapted for venous anastomosis to a portion of a vein. The magnetic element may include a plurality of magnets disposed about the flow tube so that a magnetic field may be applied to blood flowing therein; the magnetic element may alternatively include a circuitry configured to generate a magnetic field applied to the flow tube.

PRIORITY NOTICE

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/448,314, filed Jun. 21, 2019, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/430,331, filed Jun. 3, 2019, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to vascular access grafts, andmore specifically to vascular access grafts that implement a magnetichousing configured to apply a magnetic field along a length of the graftin order to disrupt and minimize blood coagulation so as to prolong thelife of the graft.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent application may containmaterial that is subject to copyright protection. The owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightswhatsoever. Certain marks referenced herein may be common law orregistered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated withthe applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is by way of exampleand should not be construed as descriptive or to limit the scope of thisinvention to material associated only with such marks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vascular access grafts are well known in the art. These devicestypically provide an efficient means of introducing or removingchemicals from the bloodstream. For example, in hemodialysis, vascularaccess grafts are used to remove the patient's blood so that it can befiltered through a dialyzer. In other cases, diseased portions ofvasculature are replaced with or supplemented via grafts to facilitateblood flow or to reduce risk of rupture of an aneurysm. The grafts maycomprise natural materials, e.g., a portion of a blood vessel taken fromanother area of the patient's body, or they may comprise artificialmaterials.

In order to achieve their intended function, prior art vascular accessgrafts have implemented mechanical, electrical, and even magneticcomponents. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,540 to Cole et al.discloses methods for forming magnetic vascular anastomoses, thatinclude devices employing a magnetic force to form a magnetic port in ahollow body. Similarly, U.S. Patent Application Publication2018/0289883A1 to Gage et al. discloses an apparatus and method forcannulation of vascular access grafts. In that disclosure, a device istaught to include a port that comprises a magnetic component around acannulation chamber, which facilitates the localization of the port toan operator such as physician or medical personnel. Still otherdisclosures, such as U.S. Patent Application Publication 2016/0331511A1to Kassab et al., teach magnetic closures mechanisms that may comprisean arrow-lock configuration, magnetic strips, a series of perforationsand sutures and or a series of clips to seal together that device.

However, none of the prior art adequately addresses the issue ofprolonging the life of a vascular access graft, particularly bydisrupting and minimizing blood coagulation of a blood flowing throughthe graft. That is, because of the nature of prior art vascular accessgrafts, they are prone to build-up and often become restricted.Restricted grafts of course mean the velocity and or volume of bloodflow through the graft is negatively impacted. As the lumen through agraft gradually becomes occluded with fatty buildup, other deposits orintima, the pressure differential across the graft increases, thevelocity of blood in the lumen decreases and the flow of blood throughthe lumen decreases. To remedy faulty or restricted grafts, these priorart devices are generally designed so that regular (i.e. annual)replacement is expected. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to prolongthe life of these devices by minimizing replacement intervals.

Therefore, there is a need for a system and method for a vascular accessgraft, which addresses the above-mentioned concerns. It is to these endsthat the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize otherlimitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding thepresent specification, the present invention describes a system andmethod for enclosing a vascular access graft in a magnetic housingconfigured to generate a magnetic field applied to the graft in order todisrupt and minimize blood coagulation so as to prolong the life of thegraft.

Generally, the invention involves a vascular access graft that includesa magnetic element disposed about a flow tube for guiding a blood flowbetween an arterial end adapted for arterial anastomosis to a portion ofan artery, and a venous end adapted for venous anastomosis to a portionof a vein. The magnetic element may include a plurality of magnetsdisposed about the flow tube so that a magnetic field may be applied toblood flowing therein; the magnetic element may alternatively include acircuitry configured to generate a magnetic field applied to the flowtube; in some embodiments, the magnetic element may include a singlemagnet disposed about the flow tube so that a magnetic field may beapplied to blood flowing therein; and in some embodiments, the magneticelement may include a combination of both a circuitry configured togenerate a magnetic field applied to the flow tube and one or moremagnets disposed about the flow tube so that a magnetic field may beapplied to blood flowing therein. It is propositioned that the magneticfield or fields applied to the flow tube generally disrupt atoms thatmake up the molecules that make up the coagulation proteins, andultimately, affect the protein function of said coagulation proteins tominimize build-up within the flow tube. More specifically, it ispropositioned that the magnetic field or fields applied to the flow tubegenerally disrupt electron or atomic nuclear net forces, or electronspins, that ultimately affect the coagulation process such thatcoagulation is avoided within the flow tube housed and enclosed by themagnetic element.

As may be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a system and devicein accordance with the present invention may be utilized not only forvascular access grafts, but also for other procedures involvingredirecting blood flow from one area to another by reconnecting bloodvessels via a flow tube.

A magnetic vascular access device, in accordance with some exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, may include: a tubular body ofbiocompatible material including an arterial end adapted for arterialanastomosis to a portion of an artery, and a venous end adapted forvenous anastomosis to a portion of a vein; a housing running through thetubular and adapted to house a flow tube for guiding a blood flowbetween the arterial end and the venous end; a cavity formed within thehousing and adapted to encapsulate the flow tube, the cavity including amagnetic element configured to apply a magnetic field to the blood flowguided through the flow tube; and at least one cannulation port arrangedon a surface of the tubular body, the cannulation port configured forreceiving needle punctures providing needle access to an interior of theflow tube.

A magnetic vascular access device, in accordance with some exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, may include: a tubular bodyincluding an arterial end adapted for arterial anastomosis to a portionof an artery, and a venous end adapted for venous anastomosis to aportion of a vein; a flow tube running through the tubular body forguiding a blood flow between the arterial end and a venous end; ahousing encapsulating the flow tube and forming a cavity between anexterior of the flow tube and an interior surface of the housing, thecavity including a magnetic element configured to generate a magneticfield applied to the blood flow guided through the flow tube; and atleast one port arranged on a surface of the tubular body, the portconfigured for providing needle access to the flow tube.

A magnetic vascular access device, in accordance with some exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, may include: a tubular body ofbiocompatible material including an arterial end adapted for arterialanastomosis to a portion of an artery, and a venous end adapted forvenous anastomosis to a portion of a vein; a first housing runningthrough the tubular body for guiding a blood flow between the arterialend and a venous end; a second housing encapsulating the first housingand forming a cavity between the first housing and the second housing,the cavity including a plurality of magnets configured to generate amagnetic field applied to the blood flow guided through the firsthousing; and at least one cannulation port arranged on a surface of thetubular body, the cannulation port configured for receiving needlepunctures providing needle access to the first housing.

A magnetic vascular access system, in accordance with some exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, may include: a magnetic vascularaccess device having a tubular body of biocompatible material includingan arterial end adapted for arterial anastomosis to a portion of anartery, and a venous end adapted for venous anastomosis to a portion ofa vein; a first housing running through the tubular body for guiding ablood flow between the arterial end and a venous end; a second housingencapsulating the first housing and forming a cavity between the firsthousing and the second housing, the cavity including a plurality ofmagnets configured to generate a magnetic field applied to the bloodflow guided through the first housing; and at least one cannulation portarranged on a surface of the tubular body, the cannulation portconfigured for receiving needle punctures providing needle access to thefirst housing; and a magnetized graft collar configured to wrap around aportion of an arterial anastomosis or a venous anastomosis.

In some exemplary embodiments, a magnetic element comprises a circuitryconfigured to generate the magnetic field, the circuitry disposed on asurface of the cavity. In some exemplary embodiments, the magneticelement comprises a plurality of magnets configured in alternatingpolarities. In some exemplary embodiments, the magnetic element mayinclude a single magnet disposed about the flow. In some exemplaryembodiments, the magnetic element may include a combination of both acircuitry configured to generate a magnetic field applied to the flowtube and one or more magnets disposed about the flow tube. In someexemplary embodiments, the plurality of magnets are configured innon-alternating polarities. In some embodiments, the magnets may bediametrically magnetized. In some embodiments, the magnets may beaxially magnetized.

In some exemplary embodiments, a magnetic vascular access device inaccordance with the present invention comprises a stand-alone device. Insome exemplary embodiments, a magnetic vascular access device, in inaccordance with the present invention, comprises a tubular body with oneor more housing elements configured to receive at least a portion of aflow tube or commercially available graft.

As mentioned above, a system in accordance with exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention may include a magnetized graft collar configuredto wrap around a portion of an arterial anastomosis or a venousanastomosis. In some exemplary embodiments, the magnetic graft collarmay comprise of a mesh body including at least two layers of a flexiblesubstrate; and a plurality of magnetic crystals disposed between the atleast two layers of the flexible substrate. In some exemplaryembodiments, silver and or copper components may be included with themagnetic crystals for their anti-microbial properties.

Various objectives and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration andexample, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings submittedherewith constitute a part of this specification, include exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects andfeatures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The system, apparatus, and the method for magnetizing a vascular accessgraft as disclosed herein are further described in terms of exemplaryembodiments. These exemplary embodiments are described in detail withreference to the drawings, which have not necessarily been drawn toscale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of thevarious embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that areknown to be common and well understood to those in the industry are notdepicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments ofthe invention. These embodiments are non-limiting exemplary embodiments,in which like reference numerals represent similar structures throughoutthe several views of the drawings. The drawings that accompany thedetailed description can be briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 illustrates a magnetic vascular access device implanted on apatient's arm, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a magnetic vascular accessdevice in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a magnetic vascular accessdevice in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a magnetic vascular accessdevice in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a magnetic vascular accessdevice in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a magnetic vascular accessdevice in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5(a)-FIG. 5(c) illustrate magnets showing the direction of theirmagnet fields.

FIG. 6(a)-FIG. 6(b) illustrate a plurality of magnets having variousshapes that may be implemented within a magnetic vascular access devicein accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7(a)-FIG. 7(b) illustrate a plurality of magnets having variousshapes that may be implemented within a magnetic vascular access devicein accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8(a)-FIG. 8(b) illustrate a plurality of magnets having variousshapes that may be implemented within a magnetic vascular access devicein accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9(a)-FIG. 9(b) illustrate a plurality of magnets having variousshapes that may be implemented within a magnetic vascular access devicein accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a tubular body of amagnetic vascular access graft in accordance with exemplary embodimentsof the present invention, this view showing multiple staggered magnetsdisposed about a portion of a flow tube of the magnetic vascular accessdevice.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a tubular body of amagnetic vascular access graft in accordance with exemplary embodimentsof the present invention, this view showing a single disc magnetdisposed about a portion of a flow tube of the magnetic vascular accessdevice.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a magnetic vascularaccess device depicting possible configuration of a magnetic element inaccordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective top view of a magnetic vascular accessdevice in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, wherein the tubular body forms a U-shape between the arterialend and the venous end.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective top view of a magnetic vascular accessdevice in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, wherein the tubular body is configured to spiral between thearterial end and the venous end to allow adjustment of a length and awidth of the tubular body.

FIG. 15(a)-FIG. 15(b) illustrate a method of connecting a magneticvascular access device to the vasculature of a patient in accordancewith practice of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a magnetized graft collar configured to wrap arounda portion of an arterial anastomosis or a venous anastomosis, inaccordance with practice of exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of a magnetized graft collar inaccordance with practice of exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of a magnetizedgraft collar in accordance with practice of exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments andapplications of the present invention, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where depictions aremade, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departingfrom the scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same referencenumbers are used in the drawings and the following description to referto the same or similar elements.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent to those skilledin the art that the present teachings may be practiced without suchdetails. In other instances, well known structures, components and/orfunctional or structural relationship thereof, etc., have been describedat a relatively high-level, without detail, in order to avoidunnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings.

Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meaningssuggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning.Likewise, the phrase “in one embodiment/example” as used herein does notnecessarily refer to the same embodiment and the phrase “in anotherembodiment/example” as used herein does not necessarily refer to adifferent embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subjectmatter include combinations of example embodiments in whole or in part.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and orsteps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended toimply that features, elements and or steps are in any way required forone or more embodiments, whether these features, elements and or stepsare included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like aresynonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and donot exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations and soforth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not inits exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a listof elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements inthe list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y,and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understoodwith the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc.may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is notgenerally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at leastone of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.The term “and or” means that “and” applies to some embodiments and “or”applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and or C can be replaced withA, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in anothersentence. A, B, and or C means that some embodiments can include A andB, some embodiments can include A and C, some embodiments can include Band C, some embodiments can only include A, some embodiments can includeonly B, some embodiments can include only C, and some embodimentsinclude A, B, and C. The term “and or” is used to avoid unnecessaryredundancy. Similarly, terms, such as “a, an,” or “the,” again, may beunderstood to convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage,depending at least in part upon context. In addition, the term “basedon” may be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusiveset of factors and may, instead, allow for existence of additionalfactors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at leastin part on context.

While exemplary embodiments of the disclosure may be described,modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. Forexample, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to theelements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described hereinmay be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to thedisclosed methods. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description isintended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step,module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novelmethods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety ofother forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form of the methods and systems described herein may be madewithout departing from the spirit of the invention or inventionsdisclosed herein. Accordingly, the following detailed description doesnot limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure isdefined by the appended claims.

The present disclosure relates to, among other things, a system andmethod for magnetizing a vascular access graft via a housing that alsoprovides mechanical and structural protection from external compression.Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described withreference to the drawings for illustration purposes and are not intendedto limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a magnetic vascularaccess device implanted on a patient's arm, in accordance with exemplaryembodiments of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 1 depictssystem 100, which includes a vascular access graft (device 101) that hasbeen magnetized or configured with a magnetic element disposed over aflow tube that guides a blood flow between an arterial end and a venousend of device 101. Device 101 is shown implanted inside a patient's arm,as may be typically employed; however, a device 101 in accordance withthe present invention may be implanted in other regions and used forother purposes without deviating from the scope of the presentinvention. In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in this figure,system 100 may also include a dialysis machine 102 to which needles 103and 104 may be coupled in order to provide access to the blood flowguided by device 101. Typically, as will be discussed further below,needles 103 and 104—which may comprise metal or plastics or any othermaterials suitable for hypodermic needles—may access a flow tube withindevice 101 via one or more ports disposed on a surface of device 101,guided by an operator 105 such as a physician or other medicalpersonnel.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective topview of a magnetic vascular access device in accordance with exemplaryembodiments of the present invention. From this view, it may beappreciated that device 101 includes a body 106 that is generallytubular.

Body 106 of device 101 is generally a tubular body and may includedifferent layers and components. In some exemplary embodiments, body 106includes a housing, which may itself comprise of an outer housing and aninner housing. In some exemplary embodiments, body 106 includes one ormore housings that include a cavity that encapsulates a flow tubeadapted to guide plasma or blood therethrough (such cavity shown in moredetail and discussed further below with reference to FIG. 3 and otherfigures). In exemplary embodiments, the housing encapsulates the flowtube in a manner such that a cavity is formed between an interiorsurface of the housing and an outer surface of the flow tube. Within thecavity, which may comprise of one or more chambers, one or more magneticelements may be disposed. In some exemplary embodiments, the housing maybe adapted to receive a commercially available flow tube or graft, orinclude a flow tube especially adapted for the housing, wherein the flowtube is adapted to guide blood from one terminal end of the flow tube tothe other terminal end of the flow tube. Accordingly, body 106encapsulates the one or more magnetic components in such a way so thatone or more magnetic fields may be applied along a length of the flowtube within device 101.

Body 106 may be constructed of a wide range of generally biocompatiblematerials. For example, and without deviating from the scope of thepresent invention, in some exemplary embodiments, body 106 may beconstructed using a hardened and malleable material, for example—andwithout limiting the scope of the present invention—a malleable metal.In exemplary embodiments, body 106 comprises of one or more malleablebiocompatible materials suitable for implantation inside the human body.In some exemplary embodiments, body 106 is more flexible, while in otherexemplary embodiments, body 106 is more rigid.

Body 106 may employ known technologies such as with grafts that provideimmediate cannulation after placement (i.e. typically within 72 hours).These materials may be useful for standard patients to facilitate earlycatheter removal, but also have several niche applications that arevaluable tools for the access surgeon, and can be cannulated immediatelyto eliminate the need for a dialysis catheter placement while the graftreplacement heals.

Body 106 may be multi-layered. For example, and without limiting thescope of the present invention, body 106 may be constructed as amulti-layered component of device 101 suitable for housing a pluralityof magnets disposed about a length of a flow tube therein. In exemplaryembodiments, body 106 may be manufactured in both straight and looped orloopable configurations as will be discussed further below withreference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 .

To facilitate anastomosis, device 101 includes an arterial end 107 and avenous end 108 with sewing areas on each terminal portion of therespective ends. As will be understood by person of ordinary skill inthe art, arterial end 107 may be typically adapted for arterialanastomosis to a portion of an artery 109, and venous end 108 may betypically adapted for venous anastomosis to a portion of a vein 110,which may be preferably not shown.

To facilitate cannulation, body 106 typically includes a plurality ofports 111 such as cannulation ports that may include, in some exemplaryembodiments, soft rings to resist compression and an inner gel thatcloses off needle holes. Known technologies for employing a wide rangeof ports may be employed without deviating from or limiting the scope ofthe present invention.

As mentioned briefly above and as will be discussed in the figures tofollow, device 101 includes a magnetic element disposed within a portionof body 106, which is configured to apply a magnetic field to a flowtube that runs along an interior length of device 101, so that themagnetic field may be applied to blood flowing therein. The magneticelement may include one or more magnets, for example neodymium magnets,or may alternatively include a circuitry configured to generate amagnetic field applied to the flow tube, or a combination of one or moremagnets as well as a circuitry configured to generate a magnetic fieldas disclosed above. It is propositioned that the magnetic field orfields applied to the flow tube generally disrupt atoms that make up themolecules that make up the clotting proteins or coagulation proteins,and ultimately, affect the protein function of said coagulation proteinsto minimize build-up within the graft.

Turning briefly to FIG. 2A, this view illustrates a perspective view ofa magnetic vascular access device 101 in which several locations areshown, merely by way of example and in no way limiting the scope of thepresent invention, situated in various positions orientations, andhaving different sizes, along a surface of tubular body 106.Accordingly, this view is merely to illustrate that ports, such as port111, port 111 a, and port 111 b, may be the same size, different sizes,the same or different shapes, and situated at various locations alongthe surface of the body in order to facilitate cannulation. Moreover, aswill be explained further with reference to FIG. 3A, in some exemplaryembodiments, at least one of a plurality of ports of device 100 may havea different purpose, such as for example facilitating the application ofan anticoagulant medication (for example heparin) into the blood flowpassing through a flow tube within device 101.

In one example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention,an exemplary embodiment may include a port 111 a that may be a port thatallows access to a chamber within a housing of device 101 that stores ananticoagulant medication so that the supply may be re-filled as it isdepleted during use. As will be explained further below, such exemplaryembodiment may employ a permeable membrane in order to timely releasethe anticoagulant medication into the flow tube of device 101.Furthermore, in exemplary embodiments, such port 111 a may be situatedtowards or in proximity to the arterial end 107 adapted for arterialanastomosis to a portion of artery 109, in order to maximize theimplementation of the anticoagulant medication into the blood flowthroughout a majority of the flow tube therein.

In another example, and without limiting the scope of the presentinvention, an exemplary embodiment may include a port 111 b that isenlarged and or shaped so as to maximize the ease in which the port islocated by practitioner or medical personnel during cannulation.

In yet another example, and without limiting the scope of the presentinvention, an exemplary embodiment may include a plurality of ports 111that are situated in various locations throughout a surface of body 106of device 101 so as to maximize the ease in which any one f theplurality of ports 111 is located by a practitioner or medical personnelduring cannulation.

In yet another example, and without limiting the scope of the presentinvention, an exemplary embodiment may include a combination of one ormore of port 111, port 111 a, and port 111 b so as to facilitate theapplication of an anticoagulant medication, and or maximize the ease inwhich any one of the plurality of ports is located by a practitioner ormedical personnel during cannulation.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, variousconfigurations with alternative or combination of different types ofports may be possible without deviating form the scope of the presentinvention.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectionalview of the magnetic vascular access device 101, in accordance withexemplary embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, FIG.3 depicts a cross-sectional view along the line segment A-A depicted inFIG. 2 . This view shows a portion of the tubular body 106 including oneof the terminal ends or the venous end 108.

From this view, it may be appreciated that tubular body 106 may comprisea housing 106 a, 112 running through the tubular body 106 and adapted tohouse a flow tube 113 for guiding a blood flow between the arterial end107 and the venous end 108. Furthermore, a cavity 114 is generallyformed within the housing 106 a, 112 and adapted to encapsulate the flowtube 113, the cavity 114 including a magnetic element 117 configured toapply a magnetic field to the blood flow guided through the flow tube113. Moreover, at least for vascular access purposes, device 101 mayfurther include at least one cannulation port 111 (and or 111 a, and or111 b) arranged on a surface of the tubular body 106, the cannulationport(s) port 111 (and or 111 a, and or 111 b) configured for receivingneedle punctures providing needle access to an interior of the housing106 a, 112 and or an interior of the flow tube 113.

In some exemplary embodiments, the housing 106 a, 112 may be constructedas a single integral component. However in other exemplary embodiments,the housing 106 a, 112 may be constructed as a first housing, forexample an inner housing 112 that is adapted to house a flow tube 113that is configured to guide a blood flow from arterial end 107 to venousend 108, and a second housing, for example an outer housing 106 a formedbetween an outer surface of the inner housing 112 and an interiorsurface of the tubular body 106. Wherein outer housing 106 a formscavity 114, in which one or more chambers 115 may be formed (with forexample dividers 116) to house a magnetic element 117, which in someexemplary embodiments may include a plurality of magnets. The outerhousing 106 a may include at least one or more ports, such as port 111.

In exemplary embodiments, these ports, including port 111 may be acannulation port that includes soft rings to resist compression and aninner gel that closes off needle holes, so that it is configured toprovide needle 104 (for example) access to the flow tube 113. Asmentioned above, known technologies for employing a wide range of portsmay be employed without deviating from or limiting the scope of thepresent invention.

Flow tube 113 may be constructed of materials typically used withvascular access grafts, so that any number of technologies may beimplemented for flow tube 113 without deviating from the scope of thepresent invention. For example, and without limitation, flow tube 113may comprise of bovine carotid artery. In some exemplary embodiments,flow tube 113 may comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). In someexemplary embodiments, flow tube 113 may comprise of tissue-engineeredcomponents. Similarly, any known technologies may be implemented intohousing 106 a, 112— and or either the inner housing and or the outerhousing—and components thereof without limiting or deviating from thescope of the present invention.

Moreover, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments device 101comprises a stand-alone vascular access device so that flow tube 113 maybe constructed especially to be permanently housed within the housing oftubular body 106 of device 101. However, in exemplary embodiments,device 101 is configured to retrofit an existing vascular access graftand as such, in those exemplary embodiments, flow tube 113 may be acommercially available vascular access graft that is housed within thehousing or housings of device 101.

Accordingly, in some exemplary embodiments, a magnetic vascular accessdevice in accordance with the present invention comprises a stand-alonedevice, and in other exemplary embodiments, a magnetic vascular accessdevice in in accordance with the present invention comprises a tubularbody with one or more housing elements configured to receive acommercially available vascular access graft.

Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, device 101 may comprise a bovinecarotid artery graft typically including a collagen matrix that is anon-antigenic and includes a de-cellularised conduit. In some exemplaryembodiments, device 101 may comprise a high elasin-to-collegen ratio forimproved pulsitility. For example, and in no way limiting the scope ofthe present invention, device 101 may implement a de-cellularisednatural conduit or flow tube 113 made from bovine mesenteric veinconfigured with known technologies so that it may be stored on the shelfand can be rinsed immediately prior to use.

Accordingly, in some exemplary embodiments, a magnetic vascular accessdevice may include: a tubular body 106 including an arterial end 107adapted for arterial anastomosis to a portion of an artery, and a venousend 108 adapted for venous anastomosis to a portion of a vein; a flowtube 113 running through the tubular body for guiding a blood flowbetween the arterial end 107 and a venous end 108; an outer housing 106a encapsulating the flow tube 113 and forming a cavity 114 between anexterior of the flow tube 113 and the outer housing 106 a, the cavity114 including a magnetic element 117 configured to generate a magneticfield applied to the blood flow guided through the flow tube 113; and atleast one port 111 arranged on a surface of the tubular body 106, theport configured for providing needle access to the flow tube.

In some exemplary embodiments, the magnetic element 117 comprises acircuitry configured to generate the magnetic field, the circuitrydisposed on a surface of the cavity. In some exemplary embodiments, themagnetic element 117 comprises a plurality of magnets configured inalternating polarities. In some exemplary embodiments, the magneticelement 117 comprises a combination of one or more magnets as well as acircuitry configured to generate a magnetic field as disclosed above. Insome exemplary embodiments, the plurality of magnets are configured innon-alternating polarities. In some embodiments, the magnets may bediametrically magnetized. In some embodiments, the magnets may beaxially magnetized. Some of these types of magnets that may be housedwithin body 106 of device 101 will be discussed in more detail below.

In yet other exemplary embodiments, a magnetic vascular access devicemay include: a tubular body 106 of biocompatible material including anarterial end 107 adapted for arterial anastomosis to a portion of anartery, and a venous end 108 adapted for venous anastomosis to a portionof a vein; a first housing 112 running through the tubular body 106adapted to house a flow tube 113 for guiding a blood flow between thearterial end 107 and a venous end 108; a second housing 106 aencapsulating the first housing 112 and forming a cavity 114 between thefirst housing 112 and the second housing 106 a, the cavity 114 includinga plurality of magnets 117 configured to generate a magnetic fieldapplied to the blood flow guided through the flow tube 113 withinhousing 112; and at least one cannulation port 111 arranged on a surfaceof the tubular body 106, the cannulation port 111 configured forreceiving needle punctures providing needle access to the first housingand more particularly the blood flow therein.

Briefly turning to FIG. 3A, a cross-sectional view of a magneticvascular access device in accordance with exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention is illustrated. More specifically, FIG. 3A depicts across-sectional view along the line segment A1-A1 depicted in FIG. 2A.This view shows a portion of the tubular body 106, according to theembodiment of FIG. 2A, including one of the terminal ends or thearterial end 109.

As mentioned above, in this embodiment, at least one of a plurality ofports of device 100, for example port 111 a, may facilitate theapplication of an anticoagulant medication such as heparin into theblood flow passing through flow tube 113 within device 101. In thisembodiment, port 111 a may not access flow tube 113 but rather limitaccess to a chamber 115 a within cavity 114 in order to facilitate thestorage and delivery of an anticoagulant medication. Moreover, in thismanner, a supply of the anticoagulant medication may be re-filled as itis depleted during use by way of an access 115 b between port 111 a andchamber 115 a. In exemplary embodiments, chamber 115 a may employ apermeable membrane 115 c in order to facilitate the timely release ofthe anticoagulant medication stored therein into flow tube 113 of device101. As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A, in exemplary embodiments, port 111a is situated in proximity to the arterial end 107 adapted for arterialanastomosis to a portion of artery 109, in order to maximize theimplementation of the anticoagulant medication into the blood flowthroughout a majority of the length of flow tube 113. In anotherembodiment chamber 115 a and another chamber (not shown, but situatedsomewhere towards the middle of body 106, may be filled with shortacting anticoagulation medication such as a short acting heparin, thatleaks out at a constant rate (i.e. microliters per hour). In someexemplary embodiments, chamber 115 a may be refillable (so that port 111a is employed as shown) or chamber 115 a may be sealed. In eitherembodiment in which the short acting anticoagulation medication isemployed however, chamber 115 a may include silver and/or copperelements that may also contribute to a transmission of the medicationrate that is acceptable. For example and without deviating from thescope of the present invention, a metallic configuration, may includeboth silver and copper ions configured to “leak” or “part” from the basesupply chunk and “leach” onto the surface of flow tube 113 (i.e. viapermeable membrane 115 c), and thus ultimately, to the plasma (wholeblood essential), at a safe but effective dose. One of the benefits ofsuch embodiments, is the anti-microbial nature of those two metals, asis well known and used extensively in the medical field. In this way,device 101 may incorporate both anti-thrombosis and the anti-microbialenhancements that help extend the life of flow tube 113 (i.e. whether acommercially available graft or integra component of device 101), andsubsequently, the life and function of the patient using the device.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectionalview of a magnetic vascular access device in accordance with exemplaryembodiments of the present invention. More specifically, this viewdepicts exemplary magnetic fields emitting from a plurality of magnets117 housed within cavity 114 of the tubular body 106 of device 101. Asexplained above, it is propositioned that the magnetic field or fieldsapplied to the flow tube 113, and more specifically along a lumen 113 aof flow tube 113, generally disrupt the molecules that make up thecoagulation proteins, and ultimately, affect the protein function ofsaid coagulation proteins to minimize build-up within device 101.

More specifically, it is proposed that because any “flow” of electrons,or any “current” will have its own magnetic field, by definition, thenany blood flow passing through lumen 113 a of flow tube 113 within innerhousing 112 will have its own magnetic field. As this blood flow'smagnetic field (typically undisturbed within the body) is now introducedthrough flow tube 113 to at least one other competing magnetic fieldgenerated from the one or more magnets 117 inside cavity 114 of outerhousing 106 a, the effect of the competing magnetic fields on theelectrons in the blood flow is to causes protein dysfunction. It isfurther proposed that this disruption that causes protein dysfunction(so that for example coagulation is minimized), is short-lived andeffective only during the exposure of the blood flow to the competingmagnetic field within the flow tube, so that upon exiting device 101,the blood flow reverts back to a normal state.

Next, FIG. 5(a)-FIG. 5(c) illustrate magnets showing the direction oftheir magnet fields. As a person of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate, depending on the orientation and configuration within thedevice of the various magnets 500, 501, 502, 503, and 504, differentalternating or non-alternating polarities may be achieved to generatedifferent magnetic fields applied to the flow tube within body 106. Thenext set of figures shows a variety of magnet types that may be used inaccordance with the present invention. That is, one or more of thesefollowing types of magnets may be implemented into body 106 of device101. In some embodiments, only one type of magnet is used throughoutbody 106. In another exemplary embodiment, more than one type of magnetis employed throughout an interior of body 106 of device 101.

For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention,FIG. 6(a)-FIG. 6(b) illustrate a plurality of bar magnets that may beimplemented within a magnetic vascular access device in accordance withexemplary embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, FIG.6(a) shows a cube or rectangular magnet 601 that has been magnetizedthrough its thickness. FIG. 6(b) shows a similar cubed or rectangularmagnet 602 that has been magnetized through its length or width.Depending on the desired configuration one or more of these bar magnetsmay be disposed throughout the housing of device 101 in order to achievealternating polarities or non-alternating polarities.

For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention,FIG. 7(a)-FIG. 7(b) illustrate another set of magnets having differentshapes that may be implemented within a magnetic vascular access devicein accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Morespecifically, FIG. 7(a) shows a disc magnet 701 that may be axiallymagnetized or magnetized through the length or thickness of the magnetwith strongest points on the flat faces. FIG. 7(b) shows a disc magnet702 that is instead magnetized through the diameter so that thestrongest points are on the curved surfaces. Moreover, disc magnet 702may be a single piece magnet or a multi-piece magnet such as multiplearc magnets that are diametrically magnetized from the inside radiusthrough the outside radius so that the strongest points are the insidecurved surfaces of the disc opening. Depending on the desiredconfiguration one or more of these disc magnets may be disposedthroughout the housing of device 101 in order to achieve alternatingpolarities or non-alternating polarities.

For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention,FIG. 8(a)-FIG. 8(b) illustrate another set of magnets having differentshapes that may be implemented within a magnetic vascular access devicein accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Morespecifically, FIG. 8(a) shows a cylinder magnet 801 that may be axiallymagnetized or magnetized through the length or thickness of the magnetwith strongest points on the flat faces. FIG. 8(b) shows a cylindermagnet 802 that is instead diametrically magnetized through the diameterso that the strongest points are on the curved surfaces. Depending onthe desired configuration one or more of these disc magnets may bedisposed throughout the housing of device 101 in order to achievealternating polarities or non-alternating polarities.

For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention,FIG. 9(a)-FIG. 9(b) illustrate another set of magnets having differentshapes that may be implemented within a magnetic vascular access devicein accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Morespecifically, FIG. 9(a) shows another type of cylinder magnet 901 thatmay be axially magnetized or magnetized through the length or thicknessof the magnet with strongest points on the flat faces, and FIG. 9(b)shows a similar cylinder magnet 902 that is instead diametricallymagnetized through the diameter so that the strongest points are on thecurved surfaces.

Turning now to the next two figures, FIG. 10 illustrates across-sectional view of a tubular body of a magnetic vascular accessgraft in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention,this view showing multiple magnetic components disposed about a portionof a flow tube of the magnetic vascular access device; and FIG. 11illustrates a cross-sectional view of a tubular body of a magneticvascular access graft in accordance with exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, this view showing a magnetic component disposed abouta portion of a flow tube of the magnetic vascular access device.

More specifically, FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary cross-sectional viewillustrating how cavity 114 may be configured with a plurality ofsupport members or dividers 116 that secure each one of a plurality ofmagnetic components, such as a circuitry 1001 and magnets 602. In thisembodiment, the plurality of magnetic components may comprise aplurality of magnets 602 as well as a circuitry 1001 configured togenerate a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic components emit aplurality of magnetic fields that are applied to the flow tube 113.Spaces in between each of the plurality of magnetic components may beempty or may comprise of non-electrically conductive spacers situatedbetween respective magnetic components. In some exemplary embodiments,only a circuitry 1001 is disposed within cavity 114.

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary cross-sectional view illustrating howcavity 114 may house a single disc magnet 702. As briefly mentionedabove with reference to FIG. 7(b), disc magnet 702 may be a single piecemagnet or a multi-piece magnet such as multiple arc magnets that arediametrically magnetized from the inside radius through the outsideradius so that the strongest points are the inside curved surfaces ofthe disc opening. In exemplary embodiments, device 101 includes at leastone cross-section that includes multiple arc magnets that arediametrically magnetized from the inside radius through the outsideradius so that the strongest points are the inside curved surfaces ofthe disc opening along an external surface of flow tube 113 withinhousing 112.

In some exemplary embodiments, FIG. 10 is a first cross-section of thetubular body 106, and FIG. 11 is second cross-section of the tubularbody 106 so that various types of magnets and magnet configurations aredisposed along a length of flow tube 113.

Turning now to the next figure, FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectionaltop view of a magnetic vascular access device depicting possibleconfiguration of a magnetic element in accordance with exemplaryembodiments of the present invention. From this view, what was mentionedabove with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 may be better appreciated. Thatis, while some of the plurality of magnets 117 may comprise disc magnetsthat take up a particular cross-section, other types of magnets may bedisposed along the cavity 114 within the various chambers createdtherein with, for example, non-electrically charged spacers. In someexemplary embodiments, instead of every slot along cavity 114 beingfilled with a magnet, alternating slots may be filled withnon-electrically charged spacers. In some exemplary embodiments, insteadof every slot along cavity 114 being filled with a magnet in the sameorientation, alternating slots may be filled with magnets in a staggeredor alternating configuration. In other embodiments, the magnets fill upall slots or chambers within cavity 114 so that there are no spacers (asshown in FIG. 12 . Accordingly, various configurations may be employedso that different competing magnetic fields may be applied to flow tube113 so as to cause a maximum disruption to the molecules that make upthe coagulation proteins, and ultimately, affect the protein function ofsaid coagulation proteins to minimize build-up within device 101.

The next two figures illustrate how varying lengths and shapes may beemployed with a magnetic vascular access graft in accordance with thepresent invention. FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective top view of amagnetic vascular access device, wherein the tubular body forms aU-shape between the arterial end and the venous end. More specifically,the total length of device 1300 is such that only a U-shaped curve maybe formed between an arterial end and a venous end of the tubular bodyof the device, and a length L is approximate to a width W of the device.FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective top view of a magnetic vascular accessdevice in accordance with another exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, wherein the tubular body is configured to spiral between thearterial end and the venous end to allow adjustment of a length and awidth of the tubular body. More specifically, the total length of device1400 is such that multiple curves may be stacked in a spiral formedbetween an arterial end and a venous end of the tubular body of thedevice. In this case, a length L and a width W of the device may beadjusted.

FIG. 15(a)-FIG. 15(b) illustrate a method of connecting a magneticvascular access device to the vasculature of a patient in accordancewith practice of the present invention. As a person of ordinary skill inthe art may appreciate, any known method of surgically connectingvessels to device 1500 or otherwise arterial or venous anastomosis, maybe practiced by an operator without deviating from the scope of thepresent invention. However, it is proposed that a surgical or operatingmicroscope may be employed by the operator in order to facilitate suchprocedure.

Further, as will be explained in more detail below with reference toFIG. 16 -FIG. 18 , a method of implanting a system in accordance withthe present invention may include not only implanting a magneticvascular access device, but also implanting a magnetized graft collarconfigured to wrap around a portion of an arterial anastomosis or avenous anastomosis in order to continue the therapeutic effects of themagnetic fields into the junctions between device 101 and the vascularit is connected thereto.

For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention,FIG. 16 illustrates a magnetized graft collar configured to wrap arounda portion of an arterial anastomosis or a venous anastomosis, inaccordance with practice of exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention. More specifically, FIG. 16 depicts magnetized graft collar(graft collar 1600) wrapped around a portion of an artery or vein, thatis connected to a terminal end of a magnetic vascular access device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of graft collar 1600, which is shownunraveled and laid out flat as it would be prior to application. Fromthis view it may be appreciated that the magnetic graft collar 1600 maycomprise of a mesh body including at least two layers of a flexiblesubstrate 1602; and a plurality of magnetic crystals 1601 disposedbetween the at least two layers of the flexible substrate.

FIG. 18 illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of the magnetizedgraft collar 1600. From this view, it may be appreciated that in someexemplary embodiments, each of the magnetic crystals 1601 may besandwiched between the two layers. In some exemplary embodiments, silverand or copper may be included with the magnetic crystals 1601—theiranti-microbial properties may be desirable. Of course, a person ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other configurations maybe possible without deviating from the scope of the present invention.In some exemplary embodiments, more than two layers or only a singlesubstrate is used and a plurality of magnetic components (such asmagnetic crystals) may be adhered to or otherwise securely fixed ontothe substrate.

Accordingly, a magnetic vascular access system, in accordance with someexemplary embodiments of the present invention, may include: a magneticvascular access device 101 having a tubular body 106 of biocompatiblematerial including an arterial end 107 adapted for arterial anastomosisto a portion of an artery, and a venous end 108 adapted for venousanastomosis to a portion of a vein; a first housing 112 running throughthe tubular body, the first housing 112 adapted to house a flow tube 113for guiding a blood flow between the arterial end and a venous end; asecond housing 106 a encapsulating the first housing 112 and forming acavity 114 between the first housing 112 and the second housing 106 a,the cavity 114 including a plurality of magnets 117 configured togenerate a magnetic field applied to the blood flow guided through theflow tube 113; and at least one cannulation port 111 arranged on asurface of the tubular body 106, the cannulation port 111 configured forreceiving needle punctures providing needle access to the first housing112; and a magnetized graft collar 1600 configured to wrap around aportion of an arterial anastomosis or a venous anastomosis. As mentionedabove, the magnetic graft collar 1600 may comprise of a mesh body 1602including at least two layers of a flexible substrate; and a pluralityof magnetic crystals 1601 disposed between the at least two layers ofthe flexible substrate.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes by the use of diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples. Insofar as such diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples containone or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by thosewithin the art that each function and/or operation within such diagrams,flowcharts, or examples may be implemented, individually and/orcollectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, orvirtually any combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth herein,and thereafter use engineering practices to integrate such describeddevices and/or processes into other similar systems. That is, at least apart of the devices and/or processes described herein may be integratedinto a vascular access device system via a reasonable amount ofexperimentation.

The subject matter described herein sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, other components. It isto be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary,and that in fact many other architectures may be implemented whichachieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangementof components to achieve the same functionality is effectively“associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, anytwo components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality maybe seen as “associated with” each other such that the desiredfunctionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermediatecomponents.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art may translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

A system and method for magnetizing a vascular access graft has beendescribed. The foregoing description of the various exemplaryembodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes ofillustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in light of the above teaching withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of implanting a magnetic vascular accessdevice, comprising: (a) providing a magnetic vascular access deviceincluding a tubular body of biocompatible material with an arterial endadapted for arterial anastomosis to a portion of an artery, and a venousend adapted for venous anastomosis to a portion of a vein, the tubularbody housing a magnetic element disposed over a cavity running throughthe tubular body; and (b) surgically connecting a first portion of avasculature of a patient to the arterial end, a second portion of thevasculature of the patient to the venous end of the magnetic vascularaccess device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein: step (b) is performedin a manner so as to allow a flow tube for guiding a blood flow betweenthe arterial end and the venous end of the magnetic vascular accessdevice to be encapsulated inside the cavity running through the tubularbody and configured to apply a magnetic field to the blood flow guidedthrough the flow tube.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:arranging the tubular body so that at least one cannulation port on asurface of the tubular body port provides needle access to an interiorof the flow tube.
 4. The method of claim 2, further comprising:adjusting a length and a width of the magnetic vascular access device byarranging at least a portion of the tubular body to form a spiralbetween the arterial end and the venous end of the tubular body of themagnetic vascular access device.
 5. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising: arranging at least a portion of the tubular body so that thetubular body forms a U-shaped curve between the arterial end and thevenous end of the tubular body of the magnetic vascular access device.6. The method of claim 5, wherein the U-shaped curve is arranged so thata length of the magnetic vascular access device is similar to a width ofthe magnetic vascular access device.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: wrapping, a magnetic graft collar around a portion of anartery or a vein of the vasculature that is surgically connected to themagnetic vascular access device.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein:wrapping the magnetic graft collar around the portion of the artery orthe vein comprises a wrapping a mesh body around the portion of theartery or the vein, the mesh body including at least two layers of aflexible substrate that is wrapped around the portion of the artery orthe vein of the vasculature.
 9. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising: disposing silver and copper between the at least two layersof the flexible substrate.
 10. The system of claim 8, furthercomprising: sandwiching magnetic crystals between the at least twolayers of the flexible substrate.
 11. A method of implanting a magneticvascular access device, comprising: (a) providing a magnetic vascularaccess device including a tubular body of biocompatible material with anarterial end adapted for arterial anastomosis to a portion of an artery,and a venous end adapted for venous anastomosis to a portion of a vein,the tubular body housing a magnetic element disposed over a cavityrunning through the tubular body; (b) surgically connecting a firstportion of a vasculature of a patient to the arterial end, and a secondportion of the vasculature of the patient to the venous end of themagnetic vascular access device, in a manner so as to allow a flow tubefor guiding a blood flow between the arterial end and the venous end ofthe magnetic vascular access device to be encapsulated inside the cavityrunning through the tubular body and configured to apply a magneticfield to the blood flow guided through the flow tube; and (c) adjustinga length and a width of the magnetic vascular access device by arrangingat least a portion of the tubular body.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein adjusting the length of the tubular body comprises: arranging atleast a portion of the tubular body to form a spiral between thearterial end and the venous end of the tubular body of the magneticvascular access device.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein adjustingthe length of the tubular body comprises: arranging at least a portionof the tubular body so that the tubular body forms a U-shaped curvebetween the arterial end and the venous end of the tubular body of themagnetic vascular access device.
 14. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: arranging the tubular body so that at least one cannulationport on a surface of the tubular body port provides needle access to aninterior of the flow tube.
 15. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: wrapping, a magnetic graft collar around a portion of anartery or a vein of the vasculature that is surgically connected to themagnetic vascular access device.
 16. A method of implanting a magneticvascular access device, comprising: (a) providing a magnetic vascularaccess device including a tubular body of biocompatible material with anarterial end adapted for arterial anastomosis to a portion of an artery,and a venous end adapted for venous anastomosis to a portion of a vein,the tubular body housing a magnetic element disposed over a cavityrunning through the tubular body; (b) surgically connecting the magneticvascular access device to a vasculature of a patient, by: surgicallyconnecting a first portion of the vasculature of the patient to thearterial end, and a second portion of the vasculature of the patient tothe venous end of the magnetic vascular access device, in a manner so asto allow a flow tube for guiding a blood flow between the arterial endand the venous end of the magnetic vascular access device to beencapsulated inside the cavity running through the tubular body andconfigured to apply a magnetic field to the blood flow guided throughthe flow tube; and (c) prior to or subsequent to surgically connectingthe magnetic vascular access device to the vasculature of the patient,wrapping a magnetic graft collar around a portion of an artery or a veinof the vasculature that is surgically connected to the magnetic vascularaccess device.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein: wrapping themagnetic graft collar around the portion of the artery or the veincomprises a wrapping a mesh body around the portion of the artery or thevein, the mesh body including at least two layers of a flexiblesubstrate that is wrapped around the portion of the artery or the veinof the vasculature.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:adjusting a length and a width of the magnetic vascular access device byarranging at least a portion of the tubular body.
 19. The method ofclaim 16, further comprising: disposing silver and copper between the atleast two layers of the flexible substrate.
 20. The system of claim 16,further comprising: sandwiching magnetic crystals between the at leasttwo layers of the flexible substrate.